Was I sexually abused?
Sexual abuse is sexual contact by force, trickery or bribery in which there is an imbalance in age, size, power or knowledge. Sexual abuse may consist of a single incident or many acts over a long period of time. Abuse is more often committed by someone you know. It is never right for someone older or stronger to touch you inappropriately or do anything to make you feel uncomfortable.

Sexual abuse can include the following:

Fondling

Obscene phone calls

Exhibitionism

Intercourse

Oral sex

Prostitution

Pornography

Any other sexual conduct that is harmful to a one’s mental, emotional or physical welfare

If you or someone you know was sexually abused, even if it happened a long time ago, it’s important to tell someone trusted. It is common for victims of sexual abuse to feel ashamed, guilty, depressed and maybe even want to hurt themselves. There is hope and no one needs to live with such a secret. There are people who understand what victims have been through and can help.